The Beastie Boys were the first successful white rap group and one of the few acts from the early days of hip-hop that still enjoyed major success their whole career. Their rock and punk-influenced rap has had a significant impact on artists both in and outside the hip-hop scene. And they were the first rap group to gain a substantial following with alternative rock fans.
The Beastie Boys came together in 1979 as a punk band called The Young Aborigines. In 1981 MCA joined the group and from the suggestion of their guitarist John Berry, they changed their name to Beastie Boys. Their line up then consisted of Adam Yauch (aka MCA) on bass, drummer Kate Schellenbach (later of Luscious Jackson), guitarist John Berry (of Big Fat Love), and Mike Diamond (aka Mike D) on the mic. Beastie Boys' debut EP, the Pollywog Stew vinyl 7" was released in 1982.
The band's first foray into hip hop, the Cooky Puss 12", followed in 1983, with The Young and the Useless guitarist Adam Horovitz (aka Adrock) replacing John Berry. "Cooky Puss" would be the first B Boys record to receive play at NYC clubs like Danceteria as the band played its first shows outside the city.
The Mike D/MCA/Adrock Beastie Boys lineup debuted in 1984 with the "Rock Hard"/"Beastie Groove" 12." Produced by Rick Rubin, who went on to produce albums for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Johnny Cash and Audioslave. The "She's On It"/ "Slow And Low" 12" followed in 1985 and Beastie Boys went on Madonna's "Virgin Tour." as her opening act.
Licensed to Ill dropped in fall 1986 and became the first Beastie Boys album--and the first Rap album ever--to go #1. Fueled by Fight for Your Right and No Sleep Till Brooklyn it remained at #1 for seven weeks and simultaneously reached #2 on the urban chart, becoming the fastest selling debut to date for Columbia and the first hip hop record to break 5 million.
In 1989 Beastie Boys released their second album Paul’s Boutique produced by Beastie Boys and the Dust Brothers. Paul's Boutique laid down the blueprint for a generation of emergent genres and went over the collective head of a nation. The likes of "Shake Your Rump," "Lookin' Down The Barrel Of A Gun," "Car Thief," Shadrach," and the hip hop "suite" "B-Boy Bouillabaisse" contained lyrical and musical references too plentiful and diverse for the average mind to compute in one sitting.
Check Your Head, released in 1992, heralded the return of live instrumentation into the B Boys mix. The album was produced by the band and Mario Caldato Jr. (who first worked with B Boys as engineer on Paul's Boutique), Check Your Head would yield a watershed of new B Boys staples, including So Whatcha' Want, Pass The Mic, "Gratitude" and "Jimmy James." With the assistance of Keyboard Money Mark, Eric Bobo and assorted percussionists, Beastie Boys returned to the touring circuit and Check Your Head hit double platinum.
In the summer of 1994, Ill Communication, also produced by the band and Mario Caldato Jr., entered the charts #1. The album featured such hits Sure Shot and Sabotage. Ill Communication was supported by Beastie Boys' first arena headline tour since the '80s. Following the tour's conclusion, Beastie Boys recorded and released Aglio e Olio consisting of eight songs clocking in at 11 minutes, the EP recalls the vintage hardcore punk of the band's infancy.
On July 14 1998, their fifth album titled Hello Nasty was released. Spurred by the monster success of the "Intergalactic" single and video, the record clocked first week sales of nearly 700,000 in the U.S. and went straight in at #1 in England, Germany, Australia, Holland, New Zealand and Sweden. Early in the tour, Beastie Boys made live tracks available for free download to fans unable to attend the shows-and were blindsided by their label pulling the tracks down.
Having closed 1998 by accepting the Video Vanguard lifetime achievement honor at the MTV Video Music Awards, Beastie Boys rang in 1999 with Artist, Band and/or Record of the Year accolades from the likes of Rolling Stone, SPIN, The New Yorker and Playboy, among others. A month later, at the 41st Annual Grammy Awards, the now quadruple-platinum Hello Nasty took Best Alternative Music Performance, while "Intergalactic," nailed Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group--the first time an artist has ever won in both Rap and Alternative categories.1999 would also see "Intergalactic" take Best Hip Hop Video honors at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards.
Beastie Boys' sixth studio album, To The 5 Boroughs, released in summer 2004, was the band's third consecutive #1 debut-and Rolling Stone magazine's only 5-star review of the year. To The 5 Boroughs was supported by world tour - traveling pageant - supported by Talib Kweli and Bob Moore's Amazing Mongrels (yes, a live dog show, hence the pageant appellation).
2006 saw the release of the film, Awesome, I Fuckin' Shot That!, a concert film made up of footage filmed by audience members, which debuted at Sundance in early 2006 and was released theatrically the same year.
In 2007 Beastie Boys released The Mix-Up, first ever full length offering of all-new, all-original instrumental recordings.
On February 3rd, 2009, they digitally remastered and released Paul's Boutique on their website.
The band's next record, "Hot Sauce Committee Part 2" was released in the first quarter of 2011. It features the same tracklisting as the previously announced "Hot Sauce Committee Part 1", which was delayed indefinitely after Yauch was diagnosed with a tumor on his parotid gland (which was successfully removed).
Bassist and vocalist Adam Yauch died on May 4, 2012 of cancer.
In June 2014, Mike D stated that the Beastie Boys would not continue their careers as a group, as a promise to Adam Yauch. "We have not been able to tour since MCA, Adam Yauch, died," Diamond said. "We can't make new music."
Make Some Noise
Beastie Boys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Back on the mic is the anti-depressor
Ad-Rock, the pressure, yes, we need this
The best is yet to come, and yes, believe this
Leggo my Eggo while I flex my ego
Sip off my 'secco, dressed up tuxedo
Sipping coffee, playing Keno in the casino
I burn the competition like a flamethrower
My rhymes age like wine as I get older
I'm getting bolder, competition is waning
I got the feeling and assume the lane and
We got a party on the left, a party on the right
We gonna party for the motherfucking right to fight
Make some noise if you're with me
Make some noise if you're with me
Armed insurrection, popular election
Get paid every year like tax collection
Hear my perfection, rotary connection
Taking MC's down by lethal rap injection
I'm like an ornithologist when I get pissed
You must have drank a fizzy-lifting drink and you got lifted
And sifted, I'm just whiffed
And when I catch MCs it's time for wing-clipping
I fly like a hawk, or better yet an eagle
A seagull, I sniff suckers out like a beagle
My ego is off and running and gone
'Cause I'm about the best and if you diss than that's wrong
We got a party on the left, a party on the right
We gonna party for the motherfucking right to fight
Make some noise if you're with me
Make some noise if you're with me
Pass me the scalpel, I'll make an incision
I'll cut off the part of your brain that does the bitching
Put it in formaldehyde and put it in the shelf
And you can show it to your friends and say "that's my old self"
Can't do me nothing, can't tell me nada
Don't quote me now because I'm doing the lambada
The forbidden dance, here's my chance
To make romance in my B-boy stance
Parlay romancing into financing
Opened up a restaurant with Ted Danson
The roaches checked in, but they never checked out
I set the record straight no doubt
We got a party on the left, a party on the right
We gonna party for the motherfucking right to fight
Make some noise if you're with me
Make some noise if you're with me
Make some noise if you're with me
Make some noise if you're with me
Beastie Boys' "Make Some Noise," from their 2011 album "Hot Sauce Committee Part Two," opens with the lyrics "Yes, here we go again, give you more, nothing lesser. Back on the mic is the anti-depressor. Ad Rock, the pressure, yes, we need this. The best is yet to come, and yes, believe this." These lines set the tone for the song, which is a declaration of the group's return to the rap scene after a few years of hiatus. The group's Ad-Rock raps about his ego, while Mike D and MCA deliver hard-hitting lines about aggression, politics, and personal growth.
The song's lyrics are full of references to the group's past work and cultural icons from the 70s and 80s. For example, "Leggo my Eggo" is a commercial tagline from the 80s, "playing Keno in the casino" refers to Las Vegas culture, while "the motherfucking right to fight" is a nod to Public Enemy's "Fight the Power." The song is characterized by the group's signature high-energy rap style and catchy beats that invite the audience to dance and let loose.
Overall, "Make Some Noise" is an excellent representation of Beastie Boys' style and legacy, combining humorous wordplay, political commentary, and a defiant attitude that reflects the punk-rock roots of the group.
Line by Line Meaning
Yes, here we go again, give you more, nothing lesser
Starting off strong, we're back with more of what you love and nothing less
Back on the mic is the anti-depressor
I'm back to bring you joy with my rhymes, making everything better
Ad-Rock, the pressure, yes, we need this
Ad-Rock is feeling the pressure to perform and we need his skills to make this track great
The best is yet to come, and yes, believe this
This is just the beginning, there's more amazing things to come so believe it
Leggo my Eggo while I flex my ego
Don't mess with me while I'm showing off my confidence
Sip off my 'secco, dressed up tuxedo
I'm feeling fancy, sipping on my champagne and dressed to impress
Sipping coffee, playing Keno in the casino
I'm casually enjoying myself, sipping coffee and playing Keno in a casino
Want a lucky number, ask Mike Dino
If you want a lucky number, ask Mike Dino for some help
I burn the competition like a flamethrower
I destroy my competition with my powerful rhymes, like a flamethrower
My rhymes age like wine as I get older
My rhymes only get better with age, like a fine wine
I'm getting bolder, competition is waning
I'm becoming more confident and my competition is fading away
I got the feeling and assume the lane and
I'm confident in my skills and I'm taking charge
We got a party on the left, a party on the right
There's a party going on both sides, we're all here to have a good time
We gonna party for the motherfucking right to fight
We're here to celebrate and have a good time in honor of our right to fight for what we believe in
Make some noise if you're with me
Let's hear it if you're here to party with us
Armed insurrection, popular election
We're talking about important political events, such as overthrowing a government or voting for a new leader
Get paid every year like tax collection
I'm making money every year, it's a regular occurrence like paying taxes
Hear my perfection, rotary connection
Listen to the perfection of my rhymes and how they connect like a rotary engine
Taking MC's down by lethal rap injection
I'm bringing down other rappers with my powerful and deadly rhymes
I'm like an ornithologist when I get pissed
When I'm mad, I become like a bird expert studying my prey
You must have drank a fizzy-lifting drink and you got lifted
You must have done something to get high, because you've lost touch with reality
And sifted, I'm just whiffed
I'm not making much sense right now, I'm just a little out of it
And when I catch MCs it's time for wing-clipping
When I catch other rappers, I stop them from soaring by clipping their wings
I fly like a hawk, or better yet an eagle
I'm a powerful force, like a hawk or eagle in flight
A seagull, I sniff suckers out like a beagle
I can smell out my competition and take them down like a hunting dog
My ego is off and running and gone
I'm feeling really confident and self-assured
'Cause I'm about the best and if you diss than that's wrong
I know I'm the best and if you disagree, you're just plain wrong
Pass me the scalpel, I'll make an incision
Give me the tool and I'll make a precise cut, either physically or metaphorically
I'll cut off the part of your brain that does the bitching
I'll get rid of the part of your brain that causes negativity, complaining, or whining
Put it in formaldehyde and put it on the shelf
Preserve it like a science experiment and display it for all to see
And you can show it to your friends and say 'that's my old self'
You can show your old negative tendencies to others as a reminder of how far you've come
Can't do me nothing, can't tell me nada
You can't bring me down or tell me anything, I'm unstoppable
Don't quote me now because I'm doing the lambada
Don't take my words too seriously right now, I'm just having fun and dancing
The forbidden dance, here's my chance
I'm doing the Lambada, a dance that was once forbidden, and this is my opportunity to do it
To make romance in my B-boy stance
I'm trying to be smooth and suave while dancing in my breakdancing stance
Parlay romancing into financing
I'm turning my romantic interests into investments or other financial gains
Opened up a restaurant with Ted Danson
I started a business venture with Ted Danson by opening a restaurant
The roaches checked in, but they never checked out
Even though the restaurant has some issues (such as roaches), people keep coming and never want to leave
I set the record straight no doubt
I'm clarifying things and stating the truth without any hesitation
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ADAM HOROVITZ, ADAM NATHANIEL YAUCH, MICHAEL LOUIS DIAMOND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jack VR
Elijah Wood (Ad-Rock) 0:05
Danny McBride (MCA) 0:10
Seth Rogen (Mike D) 0:16
Rashida Jones (Skirt Suit) 0:43
Will Arnett (Biz Man) 1:50
Rainn Wilson (Church Goer) 2:01
Jason Schwartzman (Vincent Van Gogh) 2:06
Ted Danson (Maitre D') 2:09
Mary Steenburgen (Cafe' Patron) 2:10
Amy Poehler (Cafe' Patron) 2:10
Steve Buscemi (Waiter) 2:10
Chloë Sevigny (Metal Chick) 2:45
Maya Rudolph (Metal Chick) 2:54
Kirsten Dunst (Metal Chick) 2:54
Will Ferrell (Limo Driver) 3:11
David Cross (Nathanial Hornblower) 3:40
Orlando Bloom (Johnny Ryall) 3:50
John C. Riley (Mike D) 4:46
Will Ferrell (Ad Rock) 4:46
Jack Black (MCA) 4:49
Hatun Tash DCCI Ministries
This is what happens when a bunch of people who grew up listening to the Beastie Boys are asked if they'd like to appear in a Beastie Boys video.
Zinkerton
LOL right? Love it
Zinkerton
No U.
Zinkerton
I think he is attempting to troll but failing rather nicely.
JApp John Andrew Patrick Peters
Hell yah! lol
Tito Avalos Torrejón
...and for free😆
Jack VR
Elijah Wood (Ad-Rock) 0:05
Danny McBride (MCA) 0:10
Seth Rogen (Mike D) 0:16
Rashida Jones (Skirt Suit) 0:43
Will Arnett (Biz Man) 1:50
Rainn Wilson (Church Goer) 2:01
Jason Schwartzman (Vincent Van Gogh) 2:06
Ted Danson (Maitre D') 2:09
Mary Steenburgen (Cafe' Patron) 2:10
Amy Poehler (Cafe' Patron) 2:10
Steve Buscemi (Waiter) 2:10
Chloë Sevigny (Metal Chick) 2:45
Maya Rudolph (Metal Chick) 2:54
Kirsten Dunst (Metal Chick) 2:54
Will Ferrell (Limo Driver) 3:11
David Cross (Nathanial Hornblower) 3:40
Orlando Bloom (Johnny Ryall) 3:50
John C. Riley (Mike D) 4:46
Will Ferrell (Ad Rock) 4:46
Jack Black (MCA) 4:49
Anonymous Commenter
@Mr fantastic he's the last one on the list, genius.
B DW
Also Zach Galifianakis at 3:29 as the hot dog vendor
Sara Mokrzycki
Not forgetting MCA’s daughter, Losel at 2:29